Recently North Carolina has become a desirable destination to movers, and while many may flock to the larger cities of Raleigh and Charlotte, that is not to say Wilmington NC holds no appeal. Fittingly nicknamed the “Port City” due to the city’s significance as a source of trade along the Atlantic, Wilmington NC is the ideal destination for any sea-lover or retiree looking to make a quiet and restful home along the East Coast. Residents within the area enjoy an abundance of renowned restaurants offering the freshest of sea food, along with all of the activities and amenities associated with a coastal lifestyle. Considering moving to Wilmington NC this summer? Read Street Smart Storage’s definitive city-guide to learn more of Wilmington NC today!
Rent storage units in Wilmington NC with Street Smart Storage today!
Container Ship by fberkelaar lic CC BY 2.0
Population: 123,744
Median Home Value: $246,400
Median Gross Rent: $998
Median Household Income: $48,000
Wilmington is a port city, located on the Cape Fear river which flows into the Atlantic Ocean, and consequently, a large portion of the city’s business is built off of tourism and port trade. Notably, the North Carolina State Ports Authority runs its headquarters out of Wilmington, with this establishment being responsible for a sizable portion of Wilmington’s economy.
Overall, the Port Authority is run as a business, and as such, the NCSPA states its mission is to focus on the requirements of its customers and to enhance the economy of the State of North Carolina. The Port focuses on self-sustaining operations, environmental stewardship, a highly efficient workforce, and modern, well-maintained facilities and equipment. As a result of these efforts, the ports support more than 87,700 jobs across North Carolina, and is reported to contribute $687 million in local and state sales, property, corporate and personal taxes annually. Indeed, North Carolina’s ports, both the Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City, contributed $15.4 billion annually to the state’s economy in 2018, a figure that makes up a large portion of North Carolina’s overall economic output.
Moving forward, the port will continue to be a dominant economic force in North Carolina, as North Carolina Ports move forward with a $200 million investment in infrastructure improvements that will include new cranes, an enhanced berth, and a wider turning basin to further improve operational efficiencies.
As previously mentioned, tourism also accounts for a significant portion of Wilmington’s economy, and this revenue is largely generated due to Wilmington’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, and its subsequent access to a number of popular beach destinations. In a recent study titled the “Economic Impact of Travel on North Carolina Counties 2019” the U.S. Travel Association noted the following impactful statistics:
As seen, Wilmington’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean directly dictates much of its economy, and the city’s continuance as a prominent tourist destination and shipping hub should ensure steady economic growth for years to come. This robust thriving and growing economy is one reason you should consider moving to Wilmington NC this summer.
Previously mentioned, Wilmington, NC has become a popular tourist retreat largely due to its proximity to a number of popular beaches along the East Coast. As such, any new visitor would be remiss without a visit to Wilmington’s most popular beach – Wrightsville Beach. Located mere 10 minutes from Downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is home to five miles of wide, pristine, and sandy beaches that feature spectacular views and beautiful crystal blue water year round. Indeed, Wrightsville Beach is perennially named among the Top 10 “South’s Best Beach Towns” by the readers of Southern Living, and due to its excellent break, Wrightsville Beach lays claim as the birthplace of surfing in North Carolina. Here visitors can enjoy watersports like surfing, SCUBA diving, kiteboarding, kayaking and more.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a less active visit, you might want to consider planning your trip during Sea Turtle Nesting Season, a season that lasts from Mid-May through August. Each summer hundreds of Loggerhead Sea Turtles come ashore to nest on North Carolina beaches, laying hundreds of eggs along the shoreline only to return back to sea immediately after. Each nest is made up of as many as 120 eggs roughly the size of a ping-pong ball, with hatching season typically occurring toward the later half of the season. Depending on the season you may be able to attend a public hatching – Be sure to contact organizations such as the Wrightsville Beach Sea Turtle Project for the projected season’s hatching schedule.
Largely due to its location adjacent to the Atlantic Coast, Wilmington NC is host to a number of excellent restaurants that feature fresh and flavorful seafood dishes year round. Beyond seafood, barbeque has consistently been a staple of the region, with North Carolina highlighting two distinct regional barbeque styles – Lexington Style barbeque (also called Piedmont or Western style), which uses a red sauce, or “dip”, made primarily from tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and vinegar, and Eastern Style barbeque, a whole-hog style of barbeque (the entire pig is cooked) that consists of a vinegar and pepper based marinade without tomatoes. We’ve listed a few of our area favorites below:
As seen, Wilmington’s cuisine is but a reflection of its location, and subsequently, the area’s restaurants highlight regional cuisines such as North Carolina barbeque, as well as local and freshly sourced seafood caught from the Atlantic. We’ve listed a few of our favorite spots – Be sure to stop in at one if you are considering moving to Wilmington NC this summer!
The Bellamy Mansion by wiki lic CC BY-SA 3.0
Wilmington is a city known for its historical significance, largely due to the city’s prominence as a strategic Port City for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. Subsequently, Wilmington’s Historic Downtown and Riverwalk areas feature numerous historic sites, landmarks, parks, and houses that include:
Consider checking the city’s calendar prior to planning your downtown visit – Wilmington holds numerous events such as concerts, speeches, and free historic tours throughout the year making the downtown area a perfect weekend getaway. Wilmington NC’s Historic Downtown area should not be missed if you are moving to Wilmington NC this summer.
By now you should recognize that Wilmington, NC has much to offer, from the spectacular beaches and freshly prepared seafood, to the numerous historical landmarks that serve to make up the cultural identity of the region. And now that you’re considering moving to Wilmington NC – What are your next steps?
Look no further than Street Smart Storage for your source of affordable self storage units in Wilmington NC. Street Smart Storage is your first stop for self storage rentals on the east side of North Carolina. Amenities of this location include temperature controlled storage units, drive up storage units, RV and boat storage options, and the convenience of onsite U-haul moving rentals. Stop by today to see why we have been voted “Best Storage Units in Wilmington NC”. We look forward to meeting your storage needs!
Rent storage units in Wilmington NC with Street Smart Storage today!
About the Author: Tim is an SEO Strategist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. He is a self-storage industry specialist who has written about everything from storage advice and helpful resources to industry trends. In his free time, Tim enjoys sampling craft beer and exploring the local music scene.